Eyesores’ days could be numbered

October 18, 2013

The former Dunbar Furniture Company building that has blighted the city landscape for several years may soon be gone, according to Berne City Attorney Jim Beitler.
Beitler told the city council Tuesday he recently met with representatives from Indianapolis and Fort Wayne firms regarding the property and feels the city will be ready to move into “phase two” of its plan to eliminate the eyesore.
Beitler said he believes the city will soon be able to conduct an environmental audit of the site, with funds provided by a federal grant, and is hopeful remaining funds will cover a Remedial Action Plan as well.
“This is going to be a long process,” said Beitler, “ but we’re putting the pieces together.”
Beitler noted the city will not attempt to acquire the property until the site is ready for remediation.

Neglected residence to berazed by mid-November
In a related vein, a burned-out Berne residence that has long plagued neighbors and city officials will also be razed mid-November, according Beitler.
In July, city officials gave property owner Tammi Frisendorf 90 days to demolish the structure at the intersection of Brown and East Van Buren streets, which was destroyed by a fire approximately five years ago.
Frisendorf had requested a postponement of the demolition order in July, which was rejected by the Board of Public Works.
Beitler reported he will be contacting the firm contracted for the razing to ascertain an exact date for the demolition.